Stubborn independence can make seniors easy prey for criminals

We love our independence and frequently take extreme steps, even foolhardy steps, to hang on to it. A friend went out in her neighborhood after dark, too independent to wait or plan cautiously. She crossed the street against the changing light — “I knew I could make it” — but along came another can-do senior driver, rushing to beat the yellow light. My friend’s foot was broken she endured too many stitches to count. These are two lucky risk takers.

It is easy to forget and take chances. There are physical reasons why we walk slower or have difficulty with the checkbook at night. I recall when I said to my husband about 10 years ago, “Please remember I can no longer run.” My habit had been to cross every street on the run. We ask ourselves, “What’s the hurry who’s pushing?” Perhaps we push to deny the changes handed to us by nature.

More than the physical risks, there are risks that come to our generation without an invitation. A friend and neighbor, let’s call her Grace, was awakened early one recent morning by a phone call. “This is the government calling, what is your address please?” Sleepily she answered a few questions until he asked for her bank numbers. Suddenly, she awakened, said no and hung up. The government does not call. It is important to know that, Grace did not. When the government wants information, someone will write you a letter. The government won’t send you an email, either.

When we understand that, we can stop the call before the scammer finishes his first sentence. But none of us seniors are on full alert when we’re awakened from a sound sleep and the criminals know that. Grace was alert later and called her bank. They flagged her account to make sure no one else tried to access it.

Another scam that we have discussed at length here is a request for money. If a caller identifies himself or herself as a family member with a long sad story of an urgent need, we must slow the conversation down take time to check the story out. Tell the caller: “Call me back in about an hour.” That gives us time to do some checking, discourages the caller and allows us to get support from a family member or adviser we trust. Never send money or give out financial information over the phone.

We should not speak at length with unfamiliar people. It is urgent that we not answer personal questions at the door, on the phone or on the Internet. If the telemarketer is persistent, hang up or ask for the name of his or her employer as well as their address and phone number. If the product salesperson asks to speak to the man of the family, never say there is no man around. I have had them ask for the head of the house. I always answer, “I am the head, goodbye.”

Beware of the friendly salesperson that asks for a moment to come in to talk or demonstrate a product. We must never allow a stranger into our home. I recall once long ago, my car was stuck in a strange neighborhood, and this was before the advent of the cellphone. I knocked on a door and asked the resident if I could use their phone. The person was pleasant and stretched her phone cord to the front door so I could call for help. Smart lady!

One of the newest elder fraud alerts is related to home improvement or construction. I personally have had about a dozen such calls in the past year, including one last week. “We will be working in your area this week and would be happy ....” I simply say “no” or “no, thank you” and hang up. To combat possible fraud, use a reputable contractor, one with a state license, perhaps recommended by a friend. If a call is distressing, we may check with local Better Business Bureau or National Fraud Information Center, (800) 876-7060. AARP regularly provides us with the latest fraud schemes and offers tips to avoid becoming victimized.

A shredder is a good investment for getting rid of the personal information we wish to destroy. “Dumpster diving” is how schemers help themselves to our private information.

There are predatory lending practices around along with health insurance scams to avoid.

The basic rules are not complicated. Never sign a blank form, never give out your Medicare number, especially not to anyone offering free equipment in exchange for the number. Never hesitate to hang up on someone you suspect. Never make a financial or health decision without the help of a family member or trusted adviser. Never deal with strangers.

It is important to maintain our independence regarding thinking and decision-making. To ensure security as we age, it is better to trade a little of our independence for the support and advice from those we trust.

Agnes Herman is a freelance columnist. Contact her at 760-744-6878 or aggherman@sbcglobal.net